An Bhoth GAA Club Notes – 06/01/2026 Heartbreaking Exi t for Brave Scotstown in All-Ireland Semi-Final Kingspan Breffni Park, Sunday 4th January 2026 St Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-16 Scotstown 1-12 Scotstown’s club championship campaign came to a valiant end in freezing conditions in Breffni Park, as Connacht champions St Brigid’s held on for a four-point win in a gripping semi-final. Despite a strong fightback and several goal chances that could have turned the tie, the Ulster champions fell just short, leaving huge pride alongside inevitable disappointment after a season that delivered our first provincial title in 36 years. The game sprang into life early, with Rory Beggan pointing a ’45 to open the scoring for Scotstown. St Brigid’s landed a major blow on six minutes when Brian Derwin finished clinically to the net. Two further points quickly followed, giving the Roscommon men a four-point lead. Scotstown responded brilliantly. Nicky Sherlock clipped a fine point, and moments later Jack McCarron rifled home a superb goal across the goalkeeper to level the contest at 1-2 apiece. St Brigid’s edged back in front with a point, before Max Maguire replied with a well-placed score. Francis Maguire then landed a spectacular two-pointer and by the 18th minute Scotstown were two up and looking dangerous, dominating possession while our defence repelled several Brigid’s attacks. However, St Brigid’s began to take control through midfield and transition play, using their recent experience of deep championship runs. They reeled off a run of points, including a Bobby Nugent two-pointer, to lead 1-10 to 1-6 at the break. It was an intense half, with both sides trading scores, but Brigid’s clinical counter-attacking proved the difference. Second Half Scotstown pushed hard to reel in the deficit and created big opportunities. The key moment came around the 55th minute when Jack McCarron rounded the keeper, only for Seán Trundle to produce a fine block on the line — a pivotal stop. Early in the second half, Shane Carey and Francis Maguire landed two excellent points to keep the gap to four. Later, with 13 minutes gone, Jack added a fine score to make it 1-13 to 1-9 to St Brigid’s, before the Roscommon men struck a two-pointer to extend their lead to six with 13 minutes of normal time remaining. Scotstown then tapped into the resilience and comeback spirit that has become a trademark of this team and club, creating an eclectic mix of chances that on another day would have carried the Blues through, as described above. During this spell, Jack scored two excellent points to cut the deficit back to four with eight minutes remaining. Despite the pressure, strong possession and turnovers, Scotstown could only add one more point, where a fine goal effort by Mícheál McCarville narrowly dropped over the bar. In the end, St Brigid’s experience at this stage told as they managed the game well, adding insurance scores to maintain their four-point cushion. They now advance to face Dingle in the final on January 18th, but Scotstown return home with heads held high. This team, under David McCague, delivered unforgettable moments — ending the Ulster drought against Kilcoo and battling to a national semi-final for the first time in decades. The effort, spirit and skill shown, even in defeat, is a credit to the players, management and everyone in the club. Thanks to the tremendous travelling support who braved the cold — your backing was felt throughout. We’ll regroup, reflect on a memorable journey, and come back stronger in 2026. Scorers for Scotstown Jack McCarron 1-3 (1f) Francis Maguire 0-3 (1 × two-pointer) Micheál McCarville 0-2 Rory Beggan 0-1 (’45) Shane Carey 0-1 (1f) Max Maguire 0-1 Nicky Sherlock 0-1 Scotstown scorers Rory Beggan 0-11 (4 × two point free, 2 × 45, 1 × free), Conor McCarthy 0-3 (1 × two pointer), Mattie Maguire 0-2, Kieran Hughes 0-2, Ryan O’Toole 0-1. Scotstown Team Rory Beggan; Donnchadh Connolly, Damien McArdle, Kieran Hughes; Ryan O’Toole, Darren Hughes, Darragh Murray; Micheal McCarville, Gavin McPhillips; Max Maguire, Shane Carey, Nicky Sherlock; Jack McCarron, Francis Maguire, Mattie Maguire. Subs: Conor McCarthy for Nicky Sherlock (H/T), Tommy Mallen for Mattie Maguire (49). Subs not used: Jack McDevitt, Seán Treanor, Mark McPhillips, James Hamill, Cian Mohan, Michael Meehan, Tristan Moyna, Killian McKenna, Jason Carey, Finlay Foy, Fergal McPhillips, Ross McKenna, Cian McGonnell. Manager: David McCague. Management Team: Fergus Caulfield, Donal Morgan, Diarmuid Scullion, Kevin O’Brien, Barry McKenna. Commiserations & Huge Thanks to Our Senior Team & Management Sunday’s All-Ireland Semi-Final didn’t go our way. The disappointment is real, but the pride we feel in this group is even stronger. You gave everything in Breffni Park against a strong St Brigid’s side, falling just short in a hard-fought semi-final (1-12 to 1-16). The overriding emotion from supporters is huge pride and gratitude for what has been an outstanding journey this season. To our senior players, management and backroom team — thank you. You gave the Scotstown community a season filled with heart, resilience and moments that brought people together. Winning both the Monaghan Senior Championship and the Ulster Senior Championship speaks volumes about commitment, character and the spirit of this club. You carried the hopes of the parish onto the biggest stage and represented Scotstown with class every step of the way. From hard training nights to battles on the field, you inspired young and old across the community. While Sunday wasn’t our day, the journey will be remembered with pride. The support behind you remains as strong as ever, and we know this team will rise again. To the supporters who travelled in huge numbers on the day and throughout the year — your voices, flags and unwavering backing meant the world to the team and management. Onwards and upwards into 2026. Congratulations to St Brigid’s GAA Club and best wishes in the final. Thanks to referee Brendan Cawley, the match officials, and to Cavan County Board and GAA for hosting and administration. An Bhoth Abú 2026 Bank of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup The first competitive intercounty football for 2026 took place in early January with the return of the McKenna Cup. Monaghan are in Section B with Cavan and Fermanagh. Monaghan played away against Cavan on Saturday last in Breffni Park, Cavan — well done on a 0-16 to 0-13 win. On Sunday 11th January, Monaghan play Fermanagh at home in Castleblayney at 1:30pm. Please note there are no matchday ticket sales at the venue. You can purchase tickets for the games in McMahons Centra Scotstown. We wish the team and management the very best. The Scotstown players on the panel are enjoying a well-deserved break until the National League begins at the end of the month. All Ireland Club Championship Tickets You can purchase your tickets for the Dr. McKenna Cup Round 3 game Monaghan v Fermanagh in McMahon’s Centra Scotstown shop. Congratulations to Rory, Damien and Mícheál Congratulations to Rory Beggan, Damien McArdle and Mícheál McCarville for making the week of the 14th December Gaelic Life Team of the Week, following a strong display in the Ulster Final victory on 13th December. Thanks to Everyone for Senior Championship Finals and All-Ireland Preparation and Events Thanks to all members and volunteers involved in preparation work, the afters and all connected events for our Senior men’s county, Ulster and All-Ireland championship campaigns from October to early January — from celebration nights in the complex, to painting the parish blue, and everything over the celebratory period that helped make these successes special. Well done everyone! An Bhoth Abú! Thanks for All the Goodluck and Congratulations Messages Many thanks to all organisations, GAA clubs and individuals who sent good luck messages of support for the All-Ireland Semi-Final. Much appreciated. Athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi mhaise daoibh! We wish all our members, players, volunteers, patrons and our community a very happy and prosperous New Year. Thanks to everyone for all your support and work throughout 2025, and here’s to a successful 2026 and another year of achievement. An Bhoth Abú! Monaghan GAA All-Stars & Volunteer Appreciation & Recognition Awards Night In the Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan on Thursday 18th December, the Monaghan GAA All-Stars & Volunteer Appreciation & Recognition Awards Night took place. A massive congratulations to our 9 All Stars awarded on the night — well done lads, fully deserved — and well done to the new All Stars Darragh, Gavin, Max and Tommy. Congratulations to our Senior All Stars: Rory Beggan, Damien McArdle, Kieran Hughes, Darragh Murray, Darren Hughes, Gavin McPhillips, Tommy Mallen, and Max Maguire, and our Junior All Star Fergal McPhillips. Congratulations to Peter McKenna, winner of our Volunteer Recognition Award — well deserved Peter. Please see our Facebook page for photos. Thanks to Monaghan GAA for organising a great night. Monaghan LGFA Minors Presentation A presentation night took place in Watters Old Coach Inn, Castleblayney last weekend to celebrate the Monaghan LGFA 2025 Ulster-winning Minor team. It was a celebration for everyone — players, management and parents. Well done to the Scotstown minors who were part of the 2025 Ulster-winning Monaghan minor team and received medals, including Aoife Corrigan, Shannon Corrigan, Michaela Grew, Trea NicCionna & Caoimhe Kelly. Caoimhe also received Players’ Player of the Year. Congratulations to all the girls. Monaghan LGFA Panel Announcements Monaghan LGFA have announced panels for the 2026 Minor, U16 and U14 girls’ county teams. Congratulations to our 4 Minor girls on the panel: Brannagh Connolly, Aoife Corrigan, Katie McCormack, and Hollie Mullen. Congratulations to our 4 Under 16 girls: Serena Boylan, Mia Corrigan, Katelyn Foy, and Cassie McGinnity. Congratulations to our 5 Under 14 girls: Aoife McArdle, Cayla McGinnity, Aoibheann Martin, Katie Mullen, and Cassie Woods. Well done girls and best wishes for 2026. The Big Prediction Quiz Show your GAA expertise. You’ve always fancied yourself as a fountain of GAA knowledge — now is the time. Join the Big Prediction Quiz and see can you be crowned champion. The proof is in the predictions. We are running the popular Prediction Competition Quiz again for this year’s National Football League games, which commence on 24th January. Please see details on the image below and note you must enter before the National League Round 1 games commence. The link to enter is below, and you can also enter by filling in a hard copy: https://www.scotstowngaa.ie/nfl-prediction-quiz-2026 Scotstown GAA Online Club Lotto – New Jackpot €10,800 Thanks to everyone involved in our online lotto draw for a €10,600 jackpot on Wednesday 7th January. Please see our social media platforms for more details of the results. In the December 31st draw, there was no jackpot winner. Numbers drawn were 7, 13, 16, 23. We had five Lucky Dip winners: Margaret Stirrat, Dermot Kelly, Carol Brady, Fionnuala Caulfield, and Marie Sherry, who won €20 each. Congratulations to all winners. The Scotstown GAA online Lotto Draw takes place every Wednesday at 8:30pm, with last entries at 8:00pm. The draw is fully automated using secure facilities. There are four numbers chosen from 1 to 31. Match all four to win the jackpot of €10,800. If there is no jackpot winner, €200 is rolled over to the following week. Lucky dips also apply. Next draw: Wednesday 13th January at 8:30pm. Ciste Draw Congratulations to Frank McKenna, our December €1,000 Ciste winner. Congratulations to our €100 × 5 winners: John Joe Sherlock, Gary Mohan, Eamon Sherry, Sinead Tierney and Enda Foy; and our €50 × 2 winners: Eleanor McMahon and John Caulfield. Seller’s prize: Niall Foy & Seamus McElwain. Thanks to Cyril McCrudden for videoing the Ciste draw. You can purchase Ciste tickets in local shops: McMahon Centra, Scotstown; XL Ballinode & Killylough; and Knockatallon. Tickets, envelopes and collection boxes are available in each shop. You can also purchase Ciste tickets via the Scotstown Clubforce website by clicking the ‘buy event tickets’ link. First prize is €1,000 and five prizes of €100 must be won. In total, €18,000 in prize money is won every year. Membership 2026 – Now Open for Payment on Clubspot You can register for 2026 membership on the Clubspot app: Menu → Memberships → Buy Membership → select your option. Please note: All players (underage and adult) should now be registered. 2025 registration has expired. All players must be registered before commencing training, including S&C sessions in the gym. Teams who have started group training should register as soon as possible. Cairde na Botha – 4th Year Subscription Many thanks to all involved in Cairde na Botha. For those on the four-year subscription plan who have not completed year four, the 4th year subscription is now due. Thanks. Social Club Open The Social Club is open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9pm. Bar rota: Pauline Keenan and Cyril McCrudden. Club Shop The Club Shop is next open Friday 30th January from 7pm to 8pm. Scotstown Podcasts The latest Scotstown GAA Podcasts are live: Episodes 8 and 9 with Sean Morgan and Seamus McElwain Episode 10 with Paddy Carroll Please see our social media platforms for more details. Subscribe or follow on your favourite platform and don’t miss an episode. Direct link to our Podbean channel: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-725wx-1a01d0c Last Friday, on the Joe Finnegan Show, the Chairs of Scotstown GAA and St Brigid’s GAA were interviewed to discuss the build-up to the All-Ireland semi-final. Well done Cyril McCrudden on a super interview. Wedding Wellwishes Congratulations to Seanie Mohan and Ciara McCormack, who recently got married. We wish you all the best. Interested in Volunteering? Anyone interested in helping out in one of our many committees, we are looking for volunteers. Please contact Cyril at 087 9628521. Our Condolences Scotstown GAA would like to offer our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Owen Gunn. We extend our sympathy to his son John, daughter-in-law Sharon, grandson Matthew, his brothers Felix, Jim and Charlie, his sisters Breege and Angela, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, relatives in the USA, the wider Gunn and Mulligan families, and all who knew and loved him. Owen played in goals for Knockatallon and played in Sheskin Park. May Owen Rest In Peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Health and Wellbeing Scotstown GAA will continue in 2026 with its Healthy Club project, supporting the holistic health of members and the wider community. During last year we held several wellbeing events, including a charity fun walk on St Brigid’s weekend, daffodil planting in Kilmore to commemorate National Daffodil Day for the Irish Cancer Society, and the GAA for All initiative during May and June. On the first weekend of August we held the post Blessing of the Graves refreshments event in the complex. In September the club was awarded Gold Status under the Healthy Club Recognition Programme for 2025 and we also saw the return of card nights. Make Your Ceili returns this winter with the recent launch. Couch to 5km! Scotstown Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others are organising a Couch to 5km, 12-week running programme. A great way to start the New Year 🏃‍♀️ Details: Starts Sunday, January 11 at 9AM Cost: €2 per week Venue: Kilmore Training Grounds All welcome! Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge 2026 The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge is back for the 7th year — one of Ireland’s biggest walking challenges, bringing clubs and communities together. Kicking off on 7th January 2026, participants are asked to track a combined 4000km over 5 weeks, up to 11th February. Any club hitting 4000km by the finish date will be entered into a draw to win a share of €30,000 funding for their club. Please see our social media platforms for more details. Card Playing Night – Winter 2025 / 2026 Scotstown GAA are inviting everyone to come along and play Cards in the Scotstown complex this Friday 9th January at 8:00pm. All ages welcome, especially young people who want to learn the game of 45. There will be card players present to guide and help. Fun night ahead — don’t let our traditional card games become a thing of the past. Studio Room Booking – Kilmore Hub Dear members, there is now a live calendar available on kilmorehub.ie showing the availability of the studio room for team sessions, meetings, or other club use. To book the studio, please WhatsApp 085 151 3753. Thanks for helping us keep everything organised. Scór agus Cultúr An Bhoth will be one of three clubs to participate in an Ulster quiz final as gaeilge in Saint Mellons complex on Friday night, representing Muineachain. Three clubs from each of the nine Ulster counties will compete in a table quiz format with no individual rounds. Scór: The Ulster final for Scór Sinsir is provisionally fixed for Saturday March 21st. Ulster Scór semifinals take place Saturday and Sunday March 7th and 8th. Monaghan Scór senior final possibly weekend of Friday February 20th (dates subject to confirmation). Venues and times to be decided. Tá an Ciorcal sa Spórtlann gach Oíche Mháirt ag a 8 a chlog! Fáilte roimh gach duine!